Czech Parliament Backs Medical Marijuana, With a Catch

A picture taken in Prague on May 5, 2012, shows Czech youth shouting slogans as they take part in a march calling for the legalization of marijuana.

The Czech Senate Wednesday approved a bill allowing for the legal sale of cannabis for medical purposes, affirming a decision of the country’s lower house of parliament.

The proposal, which enjoys very strong support from all political parties in both houses of parliament, should become law later this year, pending an expected presidential signature.

But there’s a catch: the text of the bill says that only imported cannabis will be allowed for sale in the first year “to ensure standards.” After that, sales may expand to include registered, domestic production that is strictly monitored.

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